Midnight Marvel Hibiscus are herbaceous perennial plants with dark foliage color and purple tones that belong to the family Malvaceae, commonly calledhibiscus plants.
Initially hybridized by Kevin A. Hurd in 2008 and propagated the same year using both sterile tissue and stem cuttings in Zeeland, Michigan. Itâs native to the southeastern United States.
PinThe common names for Midnight Marvel Hibiscus include:
- Hibiscus âMidnight Marvelâ PP24079
- Hibiscus Midnight Rose Mallow
Midnight Marvel Hibiscus Quick Care Tips
- Botanical Name: Hibiscus acetosella âMidnight Marvelâ
- Common Name(s): Hibiscus âMidnight Marvelâ PP24079, Hibiscus Midnight Rose Mallow, Midnight Marvel Hibiscus
- Synonyms: N/A
- Pronunciation: Hi-BIS-kus
- Family & Origin: Malvaceae family, native to the southeastern United States
- Growability: Easy to grow
- Grow Zone: 4-9
- Size: Can grow up to 4â feet tall and wide
- Flowering: Blooms deep wine-purple and deepscarletred flowers from mid-summer to early fall
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity
- Temperature: Thrives in warm temperatures between 68° to 75° degrees Fahrenheit
- Soil: Moist, well-drained soil with neutral or acidic levels
- Water: Regular watering for lush foliage and larger flowers
- Fertilizer: Use a high-quality organic fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season
- Pests & Diseases: Susceptible to spider mites, whiteflies, Japanese beetles, and aphids. Can also be affected by fungal diseases such as canker, rust, hibiscus blights, and leaf spots
- Propagation: Can be propagated through divisions and tissue culture
- Plant Uses: Can be used as a tropical accent plant or perennial borders in gardens or as a container plant on patios or balconies. The leaves can also be used in salads or as a garnish.
Table Of Contents
- Midnight Marvel Hibiscus Quick Care Tips
- Midnight Marvel Hibiscus Plants Care
- Size and Growth
- Flowering and Fragrance
- Light and Temperature
- Watering and Feeding
- Soil and Transplanting
- Grooming and Maintenance
- How To Propagate Rose Mallow
- Hardy Hibiscus Pest or Diseases
- Uses For Marvel Hibiscus Midnight
Midnight Marvel Hibiscus Plants Care
Size and Growth
The foliage color is dark green with purple undertones, with variable shapes per the stem positioning and time of the year.
This variety combines Perfect Stormâs deep wine-purple, maple-like foliage, and Cranberry Crushâs scarlet red flowers.
PinThe deep wine-purple,maple-like foliage with red blooms makes it a stunning outdoor and indoor plant. The growth rate of the Hardy Hibiscus is moderate once the roots become stable, which takes four to six weeks.
After the plant is established, the growth rate escalates. Itâs a compact plant growing about 4â feet wide and tall.
The stalks of the Midnight Marvel Hibiscus remain upright and sturdy as it goes dormant in winter.
Flowering and Fragrance
The Hibiscus âMidnight Marvelâ color ranges from deep wine-purple and deep scarlet red flowers with saucer-like flower form. These open from black-red buds.
These flowers are almost flat-faced, saucer-shaped, growing 8â â 9â inches long with overlapping petals. This plant blooms from summer to early fall (July to September) but sometimes to first frost.
Light and Temperature
This hardy hibiscus variety loves the full sun but tolerates part shade. Place this plant in direct sun with sufficient air circulation to produce strong stems and striking flowers.
PinThe growth rate of this plant slows down during early spring and late summer, but itâs not a cause for concern. While it can grow well in partial shade, the flowering and growth will likely suffer.
During hot summer months, provide some shade to prevent potential damage. Midnight Marvel hardy hibiscus is recommended for USDA hardiness zone 4 â 9.
This plant also thrives in warm temperatures of 68° to 75° degrees Fahrenheit.
Watering and Feeding
The Rose Mallow prefers regular watering as they are not drought tolerant. Watering this plant regularly will result in lush foliage and larger flowers.
With insufficient water, the flower buds will start dropping, and the plant will become vulnerable to diseases and insects.
This plant also prefers moderate to high humidity.
Feed this plant high-quality organic fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season, and place fresh compost topping annually for optimal growth and striking flower color.
PinDetails on:
- Tips For Choosing Hibiscus Fertilizer
- Why Hibiscus Leaves Turn Yellow
Soil and Transplanting
The Hibiscus âMidnight Marvelâ tolerates a range of soil types, neutral or acidic, clay or sand.
Since these plants are native to swampy locations, moist, well-drained soil is best.
Moreover, it grows well along ponds as it offers the right soil moisture.
PinThe plant also grows well and is adaptable to typical garden conditions as long as the soil is not too dry.
Grooming and Maintenance
This Hibiscus needs moist soil with good drainage for optimal growth but is mostly low maintenance.
Sufficient water will enhance the plantâs appearance and improve its growth rate.
Plant it in a garden during the summer season before temperatures become too hot.
Add proper mulch around the plant for its first winter season.
Prune the hibiscus plantto remove any broken and dead branches. During the spring season, trim stems before the appearance of new growth.
During late summer, deadhead the spent flowers to improve their appearance.
Always use a sharp saw, loppers, or hand pruners to prune the barerootperennial.
Learn Whyâ>We likeFelco hand pruners!
How To Propagate Rose Mallow
The propagation of MIdnight Marvel types is done using divisions and tissue culture.
Divide plants during the early spring season.
Growing through tissue culture or cloning assures the plant with being identical to the main plant.
Moreover, the stem cuttings might start rotting if they are taken before flowering.
When planting, make sure to create a large hole to comfortably fit the bare root without the need to bend them.
Cover well with soil, and thoroughly water.
NOTE:Hibiscus âMidnight Marvelâ PP24079 is a patented plant, and propagation is prohibited.
PinRelated:Details on the patent arehere.
Hardy Hibiscus Pest or Diseases
The Rose Mallow is susceptible to canker, rusts,hibiscus blights, and leaf spots if not enough moisture and water is provided.
This beautiful plant occasionally attracts:
- Aphids
- Whiteflies
- Japanese beetles
- Spider mites
If appropriate action is not taken, Japanese beetles may severely damage the foliage.
More onâ>How do you get rid of Japanese Beetles?
If the soil gets too dry, it results in leaf scorch.
This plant is deer resistant.
Uses For Marvel Hibiscus Midnight
The flower color of this Hibiscus and its purple foliage looks striking in borders, mass or group landscape accent, specimen, and as a temporary hedge.
These perennial plants are useful in wet areas, low spots, and along ponds and streams. Moreover, its foliage texture makes a stunning effect that stands apart either garden plants.
It also attracts pollinators, such as butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.
Generally,all the perennial species of Hibiscus are edible. The flowers and the young leaves have a mild flavor.
The shoots, roots, and leaves contain a gooey liquid useful for thickening soups and meringue.
However, once the stems, roots, and leaves become mature, they become unpleasant and fibrous.
Press the seeds of this plant to produce oil which is useful for cooking.
